U.S. women blow out Nigeria 7-1 in match

Published: Friday, June 25, 1999

Associated Press

CHICAGO Now this is how to win fans. And World Cups.

The United States emphatically displayed why it is one of the world's best women's soccer teams with a 7-1 rout of Nigeria on Thursday before 65,080, the second straight sellout for the American squad in the Women's World Cup. The fans at Soldier Field, many decked out in red, white and blue clothes, hairdos or body paint, were treated to an astounding offensive display.

The victory, following the Americans' 3-0 defeat of Denmark in the opener, virtually assured a spot in the quarterfinals and a berth in the 2000 Olympics.

Nigeria, which won its first game in Group A and promised it would not be intimidated by the highly ranked American squad, actually scored first, in the second minute. Big mistake.

The Americans responded with two goals in 58 seconds, both involving their biggest star, Mia Hamm.

Before the first half was over, the United States added four more for a 6-1 edge, equaling the six goals the Americans scored in one half of an exhibition against Japan on April 29. It also tied a Women's World Cup record.

Hamm started the party with a free kick from near the left sideline that ricocheted in, apparently off Michelle Akers' right foot as she was falling. That made it 1-1 in the 19th minute.

It was Hamm's turn to hit the net less than a minute later as she was inexplicably left alone on right wing. Her rocket of a shot sailed over the right hand of goalkeeper Ann Chiejine.

As Nigeria's midfield continued pushing upfield, the Americans struck again. Tiffeny Milbrett easily beat Nigeria captain Florence Omagbemi on the right wing and centered, where Kristine Lilly's shot was blocked. But the ball bounced off Cindy Parlow directly to Milbrett, whose shot went in off Chiejine's hands.

With three goals in four minutes, the United States could have relaxed. Instead, the hosts poured it on as the crowd chanted "U-S-A! U-S-A!"

Hamm's free kick from about 10 yards in front of her effort on the first goal was back-headed home by Lilly. Seven minutes later, Akers got her head on a cross by Julie Foudy as the defense stood and watched.

Parlow finished the onslaught with a header off a header feed from Chastain set up by Milbrett's precise cross.

Milbrett added a late goal with a sliding left-footed poke on a gorgeous feed from Parlow. The seven goals tied a team record in the World Cup, set against Taiwan when the Americans won the championship in 1991.

When the American players left the field pumping their fists and slapping high-fives to resounding cheers, they were even more the darlings of the tournament. If Denmark could beat North Korea in a late game Thursday night at Portland, Ore., the Americans would own a berth in the final eight on July 1 at Landover, Md.Brazil 2, Italy 0

CHICAGO Brazil was less than brilliant Thursday in advancing to the second round of the Women's World Cup with a 2-0 victory over Italy.

Lacking the crispness and finishing touch that is a Brazilian trademark, the South Americans got two goals from Sissi and some sterling saves by goalkeeper Maravilha. It was enough to clinch a spot in the quarterfinals and, with it, a berth in the 2000 Olympics. China and Norway also have secured spots in the Sydney Games.

Just as in their opening rout of Mexico, the Brazilians started quickly. Sissi, who scored three times in the previous 7-1 victory, took a perfect pass from Nene and blasted a 15-yard left-footed shot into the top of the net just two minutes in.

The Brazilians continued to press the attack, but it stalled midway through the first half as their passes went astray and their shots were well off target.

In the 33rd minute, with Brazil's frustration at its own sloppiness mounting, team captain Elane tripped Patrizia Panico in the penalty area. Antonella Carta took the penalty kick, but the Italian captain sent it right at Maravilha, who made a hand save. Rita Guarino then headed the rebound over the net.

Maravilha twice collided with opponents in the rugged game, but both times the defense came to the rescue. And her teammates woke up in the second half to put away the Italians, who lost Carta to a head injury in a collision in the 58th minute.

Sissi got her second goal on a weak shot from 18 yards that fooled goalie Giorgia Brenzan, who was out of position for the twisting, slow shot.

Italy did find the net early in the second half, but Panico was ruled offside. The Italians didn't mount much of a threat the rest of the way and almost certainly will need to beat Mexico in its Group B finale to have a chance to move on.